Royce Lewis is on a mission, and it’s one that could redefine not just his career, but the entire trajectory of the Minnesota Twins. Here’s the bold truth: this 26-year-old third baseman is betting on himself to become a star, and he’s leaving no stone unturned to make it happen. But here’s where it gets controversial—can a player who’s battled injuries and inconsistency truly transform into a franchise cornerstone? Let’s dive in.
When new manager Derek Shelton first visited Lewis in Texas, two things stood out. The first? Lewis’s uncanny ability to order barbecue like a pro. The second? His maturity. Shelton had known Lewis from his early days in the organization, but the player he met this time was vastly different—more focused, more driven. Shelton knew immediately that Lewis’s success would be pivotal for the team’s upcoming season, which is why he made the trip a priority.
Lewis’s offseason was a masterclass in self-improvement. After a challenging 2025 season, he made seismic changes: hiring a private hitting coach, overhauling his training routine, and finally adopting the workout plan recommended by his agent, Scott Boras. And this is the part most people miss—Lewis hadn’t back squatted since 2018 or 2019, but he reintroduced it to his routine, despite the initial soreness. Why? To build the strength and explosiveness needed to avoid the muscle strains that have plagued him.
The decision to hire Jeremy Isenhower as his private hitting coach was another game-changer. Isenhower, who works with stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and former Twin Jorge Polanco, helped Lewis focus on his preset and loading mechanism rather than altering his swing. Here’s a surprising twist: Isenhower noticed Lewis was using five different batting stances in a single game—something Lewis hadn’t even realized. ‘It felt weird for a month and a half,’ Lewis admitted, but he trusted the process.
Lewis’s offseason wasn’t all work, though. He reunited with former teammate Carlos Correa in Houston, where they bonded over wrestling, Mario Kart, and Correa’s legendary cooking. ‘He makes the best food of all time,’ Lewis declared. But make no mistake—this offseason was about transformation.
Coming off a season where he hit .237 with 13 home runs and a career-low .671 OPS, Lewis knows the stakes. Shelton put it bluntly: ‘For us to be the team we want to be, Royce Lewis has to be on the field.’ But here’s the question that sparks debate: Can Lewis’s newfound maturity and dedication translate into on-field success? Shelton believes it’s a sign of growth when a player admits they need to change. ‘This kid wants to be a star,’ he said. But will it be enough?
Lewis’s journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness and hard work. Yet, it also raises a thought-provoking question: In a sport where talent is abundant, is willingness to change the ultimate differentiator? Let us know what you think in the comments—is Royce Lewis on the cusp of stardom, or is this just another chapter in a promising but unfulfilled career?
